Pocono Resorts Prepping for Ski Season

POCONO TOWNSHIP -- Workers at Camelback Resort near Tannersville have been spending hours turning the summer beach area into a winter wonderland.

"Nobody is more excited about the cold weather and the coming winter than we are here at Camelback," said Dru Brooks, Camelback Resort Marketing Director.

With the less than stellar ski season our area saw last year, the cold weather is being welcomed by those ready to hit the slopes.

"Yeah, last year, we aren't even going to mention anymore. We are just excited to move forward. The almanacs and tea leaves and everything else says we should have a pretty decent winter this year, so we are rolling with that. We are ready to go and we couldn't be more excited," said Brooks.

Not only are the resorts ready for this ski season, but surrounding businesses are too. At the Loft, customers have already been stopping in.

"Obviously, it wasn't ideal weather wise and I think we made the best of it. Of course, we hope this year is better," said Ian Amato, The Loft general manager.

Managers at The Loft in Pocono Township tell Newswatch 16 trying to sell heavy coats, skis, and other winter gear was tough last year, especially when temperatures were in the 50s and 60s in December.

This year, they hope temperatures drop, so customers come back in.

"I think people are really anxious to get out there, especially our core customers. They didn't get enough skiing and snowboarding in last year, so they are extra anxious to get out in the snow," said Amato.

Of course, it's up to Mother Nature to decide when those skiers and snowboarders can hit the slopes.

The earliest resorts here in the Poconos have opened up in the past, was Black Friday back in 2013.